Ohio University shares update on proposed plans to restructure select academic programs in compliance with the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act

Pending approval from the state and notification to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Ohio University will advance previously announced plans to merge select programs in geography, meteorology, education, theater, music, art, art history and classics with similar degree programs this fall, creating more integrated and flexible options for students.

These program mergers will ensure compliance with the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (AOHEA) low degree conferral protocols. Several of the more specialized programs being merged did not meet AOHEA’s requirement of an average of five degrees awarded annually over the last three years.

Students enrolled in any of the programs identified for merger in the summer 2026 term or earlier will have the ability to complete their degree as outlined in their Undergraduate Catalog. New students entering in the fall 2026 term who originally applied to one of the programs subject to merger will receive more information on their new degree pathway options during orientation and advising.

Seven degree programs in geography will be merged into a single Bachelor of Science degree in geography with the option to add one of five concentrations:  

• Geography - Climate, Environment and Society  
• Geography - Environmental Pre-Law  
• Geography - Globalization and Development  
• Geography - Geographic Information Science  
• Geography - Urban Planning and Sustainability  

Ohio University will continue to offer the Bachelor of Science degree in Geography – Meteorology, and broadcast meteorology will now be offered as a track within the degree instead of as a separate degree program.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Spanish Education is now offered as a concentration within the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Language Arts.

Pending approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE), seven specialized bachelor’s degrees in music will be consolidated into a single Bachelor of Music degree with concentrations in:

• Music - Instrumental Performance
• Music - Popular Music Performance (formerly Contemporary Music)  
• Music – Composition
• Music - Organ Performance  
• Music - Piano Performance
• Music - Piano Pedagogy
• Music - Voice Performance

The University will continue to offer a Bachelor of Music degree in the areas of Music Education – Choral Emphasis and Music Education – Instrumental Emphasis.

Pending ODHE approval, some theater degrees will be merged into a singular Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater with options for concentrations in:  

• Theater - Playwriting
• Theater - Production Design & Technology
• Theater - Stage Management 
• The University will continue to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater Performance with Acting and Musical Theater tracks.

Two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art History and Studio Art will be combined into a singular Bachelor of Arts degree pending ODHE approval. Students will be able to select one of two concentrations:

• Art - Studio Art
• Art - Art History

The University will continue to offer Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Studio Art, Graphic Design and Interior Architecture.

Finally, OHIO also plans to merge Bachelor of Arts programs in religious studies, classical civilization and classical languages into a new Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Religious Studies degree program, pending approval from ODHE and HLC.  

New or returning students are encouraged to contact their academic advisor with any additional questions.